Impact of hearing loss on your child’s speech & communication

This article is based on a video by Special Educator & Auditory Verbal Therapist (AVT), Ms. Kim Chadda. This video is part of the parent empowerment series, where she addresses the importance of hearing as an important component to help a child.

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is the absence of the ability to hear sounds. It may range from mild, moderate to profound hearing loss.

How does it affect a child’s speech and communication?

When a child is unable to hear sounds, it may affect the acquisition of speech and the child’s language development.

This may further have an impact on the child’s ability to communicate with his environment including family, friends and peers.

What is the importance of screening?

In early childhood, It is often seen that even the parents may miss out the signs that the child is experiencing reduced ability to hear and pick sounds. 

Therefore, it is important for all newborns to be screened for their ability to hear. This will prevent any chances of missing hearing loss in infants.

Many countries across the world implement screening protocols in newborns, but are unfortunately not carried out in India, except for some private hospitals.

Screening is also carried out on newborns in case of deafness in the family.

What is the importance of early intervention?

Early identification, screening and intervention is extremely important to help the child’s hearing. This will have a positive impact on the child’s acquisition of speech and language.

The first 6 to 18 months are crucial for the development of the child’s hearing ability and development in all areas such as speech and language, communication, cognition and academics later as the child grows.

Whom do you approach if your child has concerns with their hearing?

If you observe any concerns with your child’s hearing, you can approach:

• Your child’s pediatrician
• An Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist or 
• An audiologist

If early signs of hearing loss are observed in a child, immediately seek help by visiting these professionals for a proper & complete assessment.

Check this video too on Role of early intervention in improving speech & communication in your child

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for safe management.